Antibiotics can cure urinary tract infections, but long-term use of antibiotics can contribute to damage to the healthy bacteria present inside the urinary tract. A 1999 study published in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” found that turmeric (curcumin) for UTIs is effective, and it virtually killed various strains of bacteria. Moreover, a 2009 article in the journal “Food Chemistry” found that curcumin’s antibacterial action killed both Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli bacteria, which commonly provoke UTIs. 

Turmeric for UTIs: A Quick Glance:

We are living in the “post-antibiotic era,” which means that known anti-microbial are becoming less effective due to pathogenic bacteria evolving resistant. Therefore, researchers are shifting to plants and herbs to discover ideas, inspiration, and new cures for infections like UTIs. About half of all women and men in the U.S. experience a UTI once in their lifetime. So women are at higher risk of developing UTIs. It happens due to E.coli bacterial infections in the urinary tract with distinct symptoms, including:

• Pain or burning while urinating
• Increased urgency to urinate
• The endless and constant impulse for urine
• Hazy or dirty-smelling of urine
• Blood in urine 

Use Turmeric to get rid of UTIs naturally:

Research proclaims that nearly 60% of mild and uncomplicated UTIs can be treated naturally.

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory spice that can help treat UTIs. Not only does it help treat the infection itself, but it also prevents recurrence by strengthening your immune system.

Here are six benefits of Turmeric for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs):

1. Turmeric has an anti-microbial action

Turmeric is a natural antibiotic used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat infectious diseases, like urinary tract infections (UTIs). Its active ingredient, curcumin, is effective against uropathogens such as Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Escherichia coli. It can kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even protozoa (single-celled organisms). Also, it is effective against gram-positive and gram-harmful bacteria.

2. Turmeric can suppress inflammation.

When you have a UTI, your body becomes inflamed as well. This means an increased production of white blood cells to fight off the bacteria causing your infection. However, these white blood cells also produce inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) during their fight against bacteria. When this happens too often or for too long, it can cause damage to organs like your kidneys and urinary tract tissue itself—and even lead to kidney stones!

3. Turmeric stops the growth of Uropathogenic.

Thanks to its anti-pathogenic quality, Turmeric prevents the growth of uropathogens and reduces the number of bacteria in your urine. Turmeric has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties that can fight off UTIs from multiple angles.

4. Turmeric can prevent the recurrence of UTI.

One of the most important things you can do to prevent recurrent UTIs is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you already have a UTI and want to prevent further episodes, Turmeric is an excellent option.

It prevents recurrence because it has anti-inflammatory & anti-microbial properties that help reduce irritation in your urinary tract, thereby preventing infection. It also has antibacterial properties that help kill bacteria in your body that could cause another UTI.

5. Turmeric can boost the immune system.

Turmeric curcumin can help prevent infection and boost recovery as an immune booster when combined with other herbs and spices. You can use it as tea or add it to food for a tasty way to get the benefits.

6. Turmeric has renoprotective action.

Another benefit of Turmeric is its renoprotective action. Many people who suffer from UTIs complain of severe kidney pain, and Turmeric can help relieve this pain. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are also good for the kidneys, helping to prevent damage that an infection might otherwise cause.

Even if you only have a mild UTI, you should treat it with Turmeric because it might make you feel better faster than other remedies.

Turmeric is an effective and inexpensive treatment for UTIs.

For UTIs, consume a supplement having 500 mg curcumin with 20 mg piperine (black pepper or ginger extract) thrice a day. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and a good source of antioxidants. It is affordable and can be found at most grocery stores. It’s also easy to cook with, so it’s practical and tasty! If you don’t want to add Turmeric to your everyday recipes, there are several different types of capsules that you can take instead.

Other Natural Supplements Treatments for UTIS

Supplements are a way to boost your therapy if you are already taking antibiotics, but make sure to consult with your physician first. If you are experiencing UTI symptoms for more than a day and keep feeling worse,  try these natural supplements and seek medical help.

1. Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Uva ursi is a shrub with medicinal leaves and orange berries. Arbutin in Uva ursi decreases bacteria, increases urine flow, and relieves swelling per Web MD.

A recent study of over 300 women surveyed no difference between uva ursi and placebo when used as a treatment for active UTIs. Other uses entail treating enlarges prostrate, bronchitis, and many other health conditions. Still, there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

When taken by mouth: Uva ursi is safe for up to 5 days. It can cause liver injury and cancer if used in high doses for a long time.

2. Garlic is an ancient remedy

Garlic is antibacterial, and garlic-based remedies won’t hurt the good bacteria inside the urinary tract.

Many animal samples also used garlic extracts, i.e., allicin (sulfur-enriched), to prove their efficacy against many bacteria.

• The garlic dosage for UTI seems to be up to 9 garlic cloves a day, split into three equal doses.
• You can cut garlic into pill-size pieces.
• 2-6 garlic oil soft gels per day and turmeric supplements to prevent UTI.

3. Cranberry Extracts, Juices, and Pills

Cranberries can prevent UTIs but won’t help if it’s already complicated. Mild UTIs can be treated with cranberry products containing proanthocyanidins that prevent E. coli. Bacteria from adhering to the urethra and bladder lining.

No reliable studies have observed that drinking cranberry juice or taking a cranberry supplement treats UTIs. So you must visit your physician if you have already developed an infection.

4. Decaffeinated Green Tea Products

In a test-tube study, the compound “Epigallocatechin” (EGC) in green tea has shown powerful antibacterial marks against UTI-causing strains of E. coli. It is an adequate anti-microbial for urinary tract infections caused by E.coli. It is emanated from the Camellia sinensis plant leaves, which contain various potential health benefits (e.g., cardiovascular disease and cancer).

A cup (240 mL) of brewed green tea has around 150 mg of EGC. The present analysis tells that 3–5 mg of EGC may help inhibit E.coli growth in the urinary tract. Nevertheless, this thesis hasn’t ultimately been confirmed in humans.

What should you drink?

Water is, so far, the best beverage option ever for someone with a UTI. Sipping around eight glasses of water daily during an infection can help flush the bacteria from your system and hasten the healing process.

Supplementary Foods

Along with turmeric-based supplements, you can also opt to add the following supplementary foods to your diet to kick off UTI recurrence:

• Berries (cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries )
• Probiotic-rich foods (plain Greek yogurt, pickles, and sauerkraut )
• High-fiber foods (such as bananas, beans, lentils, nuts, oats, and other whole grains)
• Salmon (Cold-water fish)

THINGS TO AVOID IN UTIs

• Carbohydrates
• Soda
• Alcohol (beer, wine, and liquor)
• Artificial sweeteners
• Spicy foods
• Caffeinated drinks, i.e., coffee
• Citrus (highly acidic fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits irritate your bladder and worsen UTI symptoms)

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REFERENCES

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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0011393X05802048

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